Archive

Ms. Ellen here with a weekly update from school. 10/2/2020

We are now at the end of the fourth week of distance learning and the 2020-21 school year. We are pleased with the way in which the school began, knowing that there were and still are plenty of glitches along the way. It appears students are settling into their classroom routines. We are still able to report that attendance has been good. Students are getting to advisory on time and going to their classes throughout the day.

Conferences will begin October 13 and will go through October 30. The conferences will be with student advisors and your student. Students will be preparing for student led conferences in their advisories and content classes. If you are interested in knowing more please review the slide deck provided.

MPS has just completed the new and improved online system for collecting the required student and family information. Please complete the attached form it is required for ALL students (a form must be complete for each student in a household).

The question of the day is, when cameras are off are students still engaged in learning? Although we are aware that students are coming to google meeting many of our students keep their cameras off. At Anwatin we do not mandate that students keep their cameras on at all times. We know that that does not measure engagement or learning. We are also finding creative ways to encourage students to turn their cameras on at specific times during the meets. This allows students to make connections with each other and for the teachers to see who is speaking. We are very aware that when a student turns on their camera they are allowing the entire class into their home. This may be uncomfortable for some. At the same time, what we have heard from students is they are self-conscience about people seeing them--maybe because they didn't do their hair or don't like the way they look that day. As we build stronger and more trusting relationships with one another, our goal is for students to feel comfortable and that they are motivated to turn their cameras on. We will continue to engage students in conversations about increasing their comfort level and encourage you to do the same.

Please remember that the Anwatin Distance Learning website is a great place to get many of your questions answered. We will be updating it weekly. If you ever have questions please do not hesitate to call the school 612-668-2450. Someone is almost always available to answer.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Bye for now

Dear Anwatin Community,

In Spite of a wonderful start to the school year, the Minneapolis community, which most of us call home, is living through a collective trauma that many days seems to worsen. The Anwatin family continues to be impacted by violence, unrest, and overall uncertainty. In recent, weeks three former Anwatin scholars have tragically died, Serenity Shief, Demetrius Dobbins, and most recently Da’Vontae Wallace. These students were part of our family and will be missed. Many in our community knew these students and today are filled with sadness, confusion, anger, and deep grief. During a time like this it is difficult to know what to say, mainly because there are no words to adequately describe the feeling of sadness. There are no words that can effectively soothe our pain or capture the feeling of loss. It is difficult to find the words that will effectively relay the compassion and empathy we want to express to our families and loved ones.

The only word I can think of to send you is sorry. Sorry for your pain during this difficult time. Sorry our community; our beautiful city is struggling through so much. Sorry that so many tragedies continue to overshadow the genius and joy, brilliance and love that fills up our school and city.

Our young scholars miss their friends, teachers and the routines of school. They are tasked with learning in new ways that are confusing and challenging but are finding successes and ways to thrive despite everything that is thrown at them. I want to let the Anwatin community know we are here for you. We will be taking time in advisory and our classes to nurture relationships, be sure students are seen and known, provide academic, social and emotional support regularly, and hold space for students that need extra love and compassion. We are committed to seeing our students as human beings with real emotions--fears, frustrations, joy, happiness, and pride. We are committed to teach your children and at the same time realize that teaching is more than pouring in content but also teaching how to be together in community with one another.

I know there are times I feel overwhelmed and at a loss. I have to remind myself to take a moment and care for myself, so I am able to continue to care for our community. Please make sure you do what you need to care for yourself, each other, our students and community. If you need anything do not hesitate to reach out. On our distance learning website we have resources for families and students. We are here for you and are sending love.

Peace

Curriculum Awareness Digital Event

Anwatin teachers are excited to share with you a little about what teaching and learning is looking like this year. Learn about the topics students will study, tips for success, and how to contact your teacher, and more! Check it out by visiting the Curriculum section of our Anwatin Distance website.

Conferences

This year conferences we invite caregivers and their student to a 30 minute conference with their advisor. During this conference, students will share goals, evidence of learning, and to reflect on feedback. Together, advisors, families, and students will celebrate student accomplishments and help the student plan or a successful year. Advisors are reaching out to families now to schedule conferences between October 13th and October 30th. Conferences will be held using Google Meet - allowing for video and audio conferencing. Multiple households can join the call at once using a mobile device connected to the internet or via phone. Interpreting services can also be arranged in advance. For scheduling and more, connect with your child’s advisory teacher.

Technology Support

• Learn about Google Meet (guide for students and families)

• Learn about Student & Family Portal to see updates on attendance and grades any time, to see your child’s schedule, and contact your child’s teachers

Ways to Monitor Progress Year-Round

Family/Student Portal

• Daily attendance is taken throughout the day. Students and families can use the portal to see the the student’s attendance record

• See your student’s schedule, contact teachers

• See grade updates

Google Classroom

• Ask your child’s advisory teacher to set you up as a guardian: you’ll get access to daily or weekly summaries of your student’s activity on Google Classroom, our learning platform

• Google Classroom has the latest record of assignments, feedback, and work - for the most details, ask your student to show you their current or past assignments and teacher feedback

• Google Classroom includes a calendar and to-do list which helps students organize their responsibilities. It may be helpful to review this calendar with your student.

Mensaje a las familias sobre conferencias y plan de estudios

Evento digital a distancia de planeasion curricular.

Los maestros de Anwatin están contentos de compartir con ustedes un poco sobre cómo se ve la enseñanza a distancia y el aprendizaje este año. Aprenda sobre los temas que estudiarán los estudiantes, consejos para tener éxito y cómo comunicarse con su maestro, ¡y más! Compruébelo visitando la sección Plan de estudios de nuestro sitio web Anwatin Distance.

Conferencias.

En las conferencias de este año, invitamos a los padres, tutores y sus estudiantes a una conferencia de 30 minutos con su profesor asesor. Durante esta conferencia, los estudiantes compartirán metas, evidencia de aprendizaje y reflexionarán sobre los comentarios. Juntos, los profesores asesores, las familias y los estudiantes celebrarán los logros de los estudiantes y ayudarán al estudiante a planificar un año exitoso. Los profesores asesores se están acercando a las familias para programar conferencias entre el 13 y el 30 de octubre. Las conferencias se llevarán a cabo utilizando Google Meet, lo que permitirá conferencias de video y audio. Varios hogares pueden unirse a la llamada a la vez mediante un dispositivo móvil conectado a Internet o por teléfono. También se pueden contartar servicios de interpretación con anticipasion. Para programar y más, comuníquese con el maestro asesor de su hijo.

Soporte Tecnológico

Aprenda mas sobre Google Meet (guía para estudiantes y familias)

Aprenda mas sobre el Portal para estudiantes sus familias para ver actualizaciones sobre la asistencia y calificaciones de su estudiante en cualquier momento, ahi podra ver el horario de su hijo y comunicarse con los maestros.

Formas de monitorear el progreso durante todo el año.

Portal para familias / estudiantes

• La asistencia diaria se toma durante todo el día. Los estudiantes y las familias pueden usar el portal para ver el registro de asistencia del estudiante.

• Vea el horario de su estudiante, comuníquese con los maestros.

• Ver actualizaciones de calificaciones y tareas terminadas.

Ms. Ellen here with another update

This week was eye opening. I had a chance to meet and speak to a number of students and parents as well as our staff. I am not surprised but concerned that so many of our students are feeling anxious, lonely, and sad. Many feel disconnected and overwhelmed. Anwatin strives to be a caring environment, no matter what space we are in (in person or online). Our teachers are diligently working to deliver engaging lessons that stimulate the mind and evoke curiosity for learning. We also want your children to feel welcome and safe. If you would like to give feedback on how we are doing with our promise please reach out to your child’s advisor, a teacher, social worker, counselor, or administration.

In order to celebrate your child for all they have accomplished this fall we are giving away Anwatin T-shirts. Please come by the school anytime next M-Th from 8:30-3:45. At that time you can also pick up any materials and/or supplies your child needs.

Another reminder that Educational benefits forms are due. Please go to our website to get them filled out. It is extremely important that they are filled out--sadly it impacts our funding.

All Anwatin families are invited to a Gift Drive happening this weekend December 12 from 10am-6pm 2007 Emerson Ave N and December 13 10am-6pm 2005 East Lake Street (Target parking lot). The flyer is included in the email.

Minneapolis Public Schools has opted to continue with winter assessments that will begin when we return from winter break.. If, for whatever reason you do not want your child to participate please find the opt out form on the Anwatin Website.

Hope to see many of you next week for t-shirt and materials pick up.

Take care and good bye.